Lots to do at 2013 Van Wert Rib Fest

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

It’s almost time for this year’s Van Wert Rib Fest and this year’s event promises to be even bigger and better than last year’s edition, says Van Wert Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Larry Lee.

“There’s a lot of things going on and we’re hoping for good weather,” Lee said, adding that times on Friday have been shortened this year a bit. This year’s festival will run from 5 p.m.-midnight on Friday, August 2, and from 11 a.m.-midnight on Saturday, August 3., at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds.

Of course, it can’t be a Rib Fest without rib vendors and this year’s fest will include six vendors, four that have been at earlier Rib Fests – Manley Meats from Decatur, Ind., Pork Bros. form Lima, Gibson’s Barnyard BBQ from Convoy and Smoke Shack BBQ from Columbus – and two new vendors: Bogey’s Smokin’ BBQ from Jackson Clyde and Low & Slow BBQ from Fort Wayne, Ind.

Judges for this year’s rib competition include WTLW-TV Sports Director Andy Lynch, along with several area football coaches. Trophies will be provided by Cooper Farms, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

Non-barbecue vendors include CJ’s Shaved Ice, Sycamore Ice Cream, Annie’s Concessions from St. Marys, which does funnel cakes, and Little Slice of Heaven, which provides cheesecake on a stick; and Mike’s Wisconsin Cheese Curds from Fort Wayne.

Lee said this year’s Rib Fest will also include several non-food vendors, including Grill Gear, a local business that provides various utensils and grills for barbecuing; Saucey Sows from Jackson Center, which sells spices, rubs and sauces; and Sports Flippers, a company that sells barbecuing utensils that includes sports team logos.

Entertainment this year will feature five bands. On Friday night, three area/regional bands will perform from 6 p.m. until midnight. Friday night’s bands include Bad Advice, Mo’ Blues and Boomswang.

On Saturday, starting at 5:30 p.m., Section Ate will perform, followed by this year’s headline band, the Earthquakers from Erie, Pa., at 7 p.m.

“The Earthquakers were here last year, but they got rained out, so we’re bringing them back again this year,” Lee explained, adding that an earlier time was scheduled for the Earthquakers in hopes they won’t get rained out this year.

There will also be a deejay traveling the festival grounds this year to provide information on the various events and activities going on each day.

In addition to ribs and music, there are a number of other events planned for this year’s Rib Fest.

Starting Friday afternoon will be a Wiffleball Home Run Derby sponsored by the YMCA of Van Wert County, with a Youth Wiffleball Tournament held all day Saturday, sponsored by Lee Kinstle GM Sales & Service.

A cornhole tournament will be held Saturday, sponsored by First Bank of Berne. Preregistration is needed and registration forms can be obtained from any First Bank of Berne office.

The United Way of Van Wert County will sponsor its second annual When Pigs Fly fundraiser, starting at 2:30 on Saturday afternoon. Cash prizes will be awarded to the two pigs closest to the “pen” and to the pig farthest away.

Also in its second year is the Tug of War Contest, which also starts at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Lee said eight teams are currently signed up to compete, including last year’s champion team from Cooper Foods. “They look like they’ve got a pretty good team out there again this year, so we’ll see how things go,” Lee noted.

At 4:30 p.m., the YWCA will host its second Pig Race competition, with two heats of races planned.

Admission to this year’s festival is $2 each day for those 12 years old and older. This year’s Rib Fest will also include four class reunions, the Crestview Class of 1978 and the Van Wert High School classes of 1973, 1978 and 1998, and Home Health Care Solutions’ company picnic.

“We’ve got a lot of great sponsors again this year and we hope to see everyone out to enjoy what we feel is another great Rib Fest,” Lee said.